Daylesford - "The Convent". A feast for the senses, this is now a fully restored art gallery on three levels in a historic 19th century mansion that was once a Convent. It now has decadent retail areas (with prices to match!), a Mediterranean restaurant, an Altar bar and lounge.

The chapel has been restored and is frequently used as The Convent was voted as one of the Top Ten best venues for weddings in Australia. There is also a nuns museum , a penthouse apartment that can be pat of your wedding package and it includes 360* views of the town and a spa bath. There are also 2 glass fronted function spaces that are regularly used to host wedding receptions and art shows. They have kept most of the religious statues, altars and stained glass windows and used them tastefully throughout.

The nuns greet you at the Bad HabiTs Café where you can buy a bottle of "The Good Catholic Girl" Shiraz or Merlot at $38 a bottle. Thought about buying a bottle but they wouldn't let you taste so wasn't willing to take the chance as most of the Catholic girls I know probably had more bad habits than the nuns!
All in all a lovely day out with a lot of old-style rural charm and unspoilt countryside. Daylesford and neighbouring Hepburn Springs are also well known as the nation's Spa Capital and Melbourne's best short break destination. Certainly was very busy on a Wednesday.